Friday, July 8, 2011

The Pentagon Has Suspended DADT

In wake of the court ruling ordering the immediate suspension of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the Pentagon is complying: "The Pentagon has ordered a halt to all separations of gay troops under 'don't ask, don't tell' and will begin accepting applications from prospective recruits who identify themselves as homosexual."

Meanwhile, defense officials will continue to prepare for the law's formal repeal, which Congress approved in December. The law will be formally repealed 60 days after the defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs "certify" that it will not adversely impact military readiness.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he expected certification to occur in late July or early August.

It remains unclear whether the Pentagon will seek to appeal Wednesday's court ruling, which would have to go to the Supreme Court, Pentagon spokesman Marine Col. David Lapan said Friday.

Troops are currently undergoing training programs to clarify the law and ensure a smooth transition to its repeal. Most of that training is expected to be completed by this summer, yet there is no requirement that 100 percent of the force must be trained prior to repeal, Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.

Quite obviously, it would be better if the entire military had been through sensitivity training before the repeal. Sixty days should be more than enough time for that to happen.